Press Statement on Pulau Jerejak Development by ADUN Pantai Jerejak
19 January 2011
As the state assemblyman of Pantai Jerejak, Pulau Jerejak is part of my constituency. I would like to urge The Penang State Government to stop the bleed and stop future UDA-PDC joint development of Pulau Jerejak.
The State Government has already lost RM30million in this UDA-PDC venture. Out of which RM 15.435 million was investment to TIR, RM3.6 mil loan and RM 11mil unpaid land premium. This is a huge lost to the state coffers and Penangites. It does not make sense to further develop the island with current lost-making venture. Please stop the bleed.
I also welcome the Parliament Public Account Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid’s statement that the Auditor General should compile a special report on the Pulau Jerejak Resort Development. The matter is urgent and it is losing public money. The previous State Government under the leadership of former Chief Minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon has made several wrong decisions on Pulau Jerejak Development. First, they have given all usable land to UDA. There are 4 phases of developments under UDA-PDC joint venture. The Tropical Island Resort is just the first phase of the development. The Second, third and fourth phase including luxury homes with private marina and medical tourism projects are all “white elephant” in nature. These further developments will not benefit the ordinary Penangites.
I would like to urge the State Government to reject all these further development. The PDC should stop further funding to these “white elephant” projects.
Second major wrong decision was to approve building water storage tanks on the northern part of the island. This has scarred the beauty of this beautiful island. It has also taken a large piece of land that prevent future development of the island. The PBA must try as much as possible to replant trees that have been chopped down to make way for construction.
Pulau Jerejak is an Island full of potential. It has now been gazetted to become a State Park. Development of the island should be along the same direction that is eco-tourism. My suggestion to the state government is to acquire the controlling stake of the development from UDA. UDA has failed in the development and now currently struggling to up keep Tropical Island Resort. UDA is not an expert in running resort and hotels. They should focus on their founding objectives that is Urban Development.
Tan Sri Koh Tsu Khoon must help to return the controlling stake to the people of Penang. UDA is a far-away developer in KL. They do not understand the situation in Penang. Tan Sri Koh must act on the benefit of Penangites, return the controlling stake to PDC now.
--
Sim Tze Tzin
ADUN Pantai Jerejak
State Assemblyman of Penang
12-J-2 Jalan Rumbia
11900 Bayan Lepas,
Pulau Pinang
Tel: +6019 472 8099
Fax: 04-2260633
Website: www.pantaijerejak.com
Blog: www.simformalaysia.com
www.facebook.com/simtzetzin
twitter: @simtzetzin